The all-new Ford Edge ST: Smart Technology Drives Ford’s First Performance SUV

Ford’s all-new Edge ST not only packs sportscar rivalling power and torque, but a host of mechanical and electronic features that help drivers extract the most out of the car when they need to.

The all-new Edge ST features the most powerful V6 engine available in its class with a specially tuned 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® engine pumping out 335 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque.

But power and torque are not enough. To channel that power to each corner of the car for maximum acceleration and grip, the Edge ST comes with standard all-wheel drive which is smart enough to detect various driving conditions and automatically shift between two-wheel and all-wheel drive. The feature provides all-wheel-drive traction when it is needed, and helps reduce fuel consumption when it’s not.

The system is called all-wheel-drive disconnect, a first-for-Ford technology that uses a form of artificial intelligence that can calculate quicker than the human brain. Based on information received from dozens of high-tech sensors, the new Edge can determine in a fraction of a second whether all-wheel drive is needed.

All-wheel-drive disconnect uses an all-new dedicated electronic brain that processes the information it receives from those sensors. It interacts with the traction control system to detect wheel slip, receiving inputs from the anti-lock brakes to learn if that system is active. It even knows if the windshield wipers are on – which may indicate slippery conditions, whether the Edge is towing a trailer, and the outside temperature.

Fuzzy Logic

An algorithm that uses “fuzzy logic” processes all of the data to determine if all-wheel or front-wheel drive are optimal. Constantly monitoring, the system can detect in 10 milliseconds the need to engage or disengage all-wheel drive. It can quickly distribute up to 100 per cent of the available power from the front to the rear wheels, depending on driving conditions detected by the system.

The ‘fuzzy logic’ algorithm is required to number crunch data from a lot of sources before determining the best course of action. Just because the windshield wipers are on doesn’t mean all-wheel drive is going to engage. The algorithm makes the call based on a variety of things that are happening – but much faster than a person could process.

This happens thousands of times, every minute – providing a seamless transition between two- and four-wheel drive when required, without any input from the driver. The system will automatically connect the rear-wheels to control slip or even prevent it in the first place – and is able to distribute 100% of the available torque to the rear wheels.

To help contribute towards better fuel efficiency, the system disconnects the rear driveline when it’s not needed, helping to reduce drag.

Power and efficiency

A new eight-speed automatic transmission also helps contribute to both power delivery and fuel efficiency. It comes with a more aggressive first gear ratio for higher acceleration, and two overdrive gears that are designed to help cut fuel consumption while cruising at motorway speeds. Internally, the gears have been precision cut and finished for a better fit and to help reduce whine. Even the die-cast aluminium gearbox casing and transmission fluid pump have been redesigned to help reduce unwanted noise.

Ford has equipped the all-new Edge ST with a system that uses reclaimed heat energy to warm up the transmission faster.

This, along with a durable, synthetic, ultra-low-viscosity fluid – engineered specifically for the new Edge – reduces component friction and helps save fuel. Standard auto start-stop helps save fuel by shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and automatically restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal, while deceleration fuel shut-off stops fuel flow to the engine when the vehicle is reducing speed. Exhaust gas recirculation not only reduces harmful emissions, but increases efficiency by allowing a larger throttle position, thereby reducing pumping losses.

To improve aerodynamics, Edge models are equipped with active grille shutters. Located behind the grille and in front of the radiator, the shutters are controlled by the engine control module and adjust to counter wind resistance and maximise the aerodynamic efficiency of the grille opening and engine cooling.

Ford has also reduced drag on the Edge ST by using full underbody shields and air curtains that create a high-pressure region of air around the outer surface of the wheels and tyres that help cut drag.

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